Hailee Steinfeld Models Some Miu Miu

Fifteen-year-old Hailee Steinfeld has become quite the fashionista since earning an Oscar nomination for her role in True Grit. She’s now the star of Miu Miu’s Fall 2011 ad campaign and is the latest in a string of young actresses (Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Lindsay Lohan, and Camilla Belle to name a few) to have been picked to represent the brand. Photographed by Bruce Weber, most forum members like what they’re seeing thus far and think Hailee was a great choice for the campaign.

“I quite like it,” wrote honeycombchild. “It has a bit of a different feel and mood to the usual Miu Miu ads to me. I do think Hailee was a good choice for the brand personally.”

MulletProof was a fan of the switch in photography styles as Bruce Weber is replacing Mert Alas & Marcus Piggot who have shot Miu Miu’s last few campaigns. “Very old-school Miu Miu,” she complimented. “That shot could very easily be the continuation of their F/W '03 or S/S '04 ads, and also slightly reminiscent of the ones shot by Anders Edstrom. It's the Italian Miu Miu that I loved. The rest is promising and I'm sure it will not disappoint just because the location picked for this and the natural atmosphere is already an improvement after all the abuse of color, the plastic aesthetic and the extreme emphasis on faces.”

Dior_couture1245 also appreciated the new direction. “This is absolutely fantastic. I think the change in photographer is sensational. I would have never put Bruce Weber with Miu Miu, but the result is so refreshing. I adore the outdoor setting… the dried grass, the weathered wooden post, rusted sign and the train tracks in the background give the ad a sense of nostalgia. I also love that Hailee is not posing, she's just standing there. It looks great. I've loved what M&M have done for Miu Miu in the past, but this is a great new direction and I hope that it's more than a one-season blip!”

Like it or not, Prada definitely seems to be in the mood for youth and a fresh approach. Widowsofculloden commented on the direction of the ad campaigns of both Prada brands this season. She posted, “It's interesting how Miuccia [Prada] has gone for a youthful feel for both Prada and Miu Miu this season, using children who definitely look like children for both campaigns, a very different feel to last season’s [ad campaigns].”

Hailee may only be fifteen years old, but she’s woman enough for Miu Miu.

Rick Owens Thinks Men Should Don Dresses

In Paris last week for his Spring 2012 runway presentation, Rick Owens showed a collection of what can only be described as dresses for men. Alexei from Moscow seemed to be a proponent of the look. “I think this is pretty interesting,” he wrote. “Something new at least, yet still remaining true to the Rick Owens aesthetic.”

For margielamike2004, the collection was right up his alley. He posted, “Brilliant collection. I had a feeling Rick would jump onto the skirts-for-men idea. I truly don't see much femininity in this collection… None of the men are wearing a long frilly skirt in shades of pink; they're wearing very neutral colors and a more somber palette, which is typically what the majority of men wear… Society is hell-bent on perceiving a long shirt or a short skirt as women's attire… To me, a skirt only being allowed to be worn by a woman is a very narrow-minded viewpoint. Gender and sexuality are of no significance and most men would fear to admit that wearing a skirt is actually MORE comfortable than wearing a pair of trousers. I wear long MEN'S skirts by Comme des Garcons Homme Plus ALL the time but they're made in a masculine color: black, dark navy blue with pinstripes… and I wear them with heavy boots or shoes, a sport coat, and sometimes with a necktie. Criticism from others is unavoidably expected, but [most men are] simply not brave enough to [wear skirts].”

Squizree thought this collection represented the “PERFECT example of how skirts and dresses CAN look masculine,” but Marc10 remains unconvinced of the skirt’s crossover appeal. “As much as I love Rick's aesthetic, dresses and skirts don't work for men. NEVER,” he stated.

So, what’s the final verdict? Yay or nay on skirts for men? They’re certainly not for the faint of heart.

Rosie Huntington-Whitely is a Stunner

Rosie Huntington-Whitely has been pulling out all the stops for her promotional appearances for the new Transformers movie. She’s been stepping out in gowns by Gucci, Michael Kors, and the latest at the UK premiere of the film was a navy blue Burberry gown with a plunging neckline. Forum members have been impressed by her fashions, and are excited by her model-actress career move.

“Rosie has looked sensational at every turn in this publicity tour,” wrote Northern Star. “She hasn't gone wrong with one single outfit and has probably looked better than ever. It's tough to pick a favorite look, with so many in as many days… She really is bringing some old style Hollywood glamour to the proceedings.”

Saann graded Rosie’s latest look, the navy Burberry, an A+. “She's impressed me so much during the promotional tour but this is just drop dead stunning!” she admired.

It’s a smart move having Rosie turned out in looks that both men and women can appreciate. Having her in the film just might make it a bit more enjoyable for the girls who get dragged along by their action and adrenaline-obsessed boyfriends.

TheFashionSpot's Forum Buzz editor, Chrissy Makkas, has been a member and moderator of the tFS forums since early 2005. She regularly reports on hot topics and up-to-the-minute commentary from the forums, and highlights what trendsetting members are shopping for and wearing from week to week in her popular "What We Bought" and "Forum Street Style" features. You can find ChrissyM in the forums here.